Notes: LT Staley has sprained MCL; Rams’ trickery turned away

Vernon Davis goes high over two defenders in a big catch in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park Sunday December 1, 2013.

Vernon Davis goes high over two defenders in a big catch in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park Sunday December 1, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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49ers' Anquan Boldin, (81) dives for a second quarter first down, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

49ers' Anquan Boldin, (81) dives for a second quarter first down, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

Photo: The Chronicle

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49ers' NaVorrow Bowman, (53) sacks Rams' quarterback Kellen Clemens, (10) in the second quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013. less

49ers' NaVorrow Bowman, (53) sacks Rams' quarterback Kellen Clemens, (10) in the second quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 01: Brian Quick #83 of the St. Louis Rams catches a three yard touchdown pass over Tramaine Brock #26 of the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park on December 1, 2013 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) less

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 01: Brian Quick #83 of the St. Louis Rams catches a three yard touchdown pass over Tramaine Brock #26 of the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park on ... more

Photo: Getty Images

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49ers' qaurterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) throws in the second quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

49ers' qaurterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) throws in the second quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

Photo: The Chronicle

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49ers' Vernon Davis,(85) hurdles Janoris Jenkins, (21) for a fourth quarter touchdown, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013. less

49ers' Vernon Davis,(85) hurdles Janoris Jenkins, (21) for a fourth quarter touchdown, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh and Rams head coach Jeff Fisher, meet at the end of the game, as the San Francisco 49ers beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013. less

49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh and Rams head coach Jeff Fisher, meet at the end of the game, as the San Francisco 49ers beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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49ers' Colin Kaepernick, (7) scrambles out of the pocket in second quarter first down, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013. less

49ers' Colin Kaepernick, (7) scrambles out of the pocket in second quarter first down, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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49ers' qaurterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) back to pass in the second quarter as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013. less

49ers' qaurterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) back to pass in the second quarter as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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49ers' fullback, Bruce Miller, (49) breaks through a line of Ram defenders in the fourth quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013. less

49ers' fullback, Bruce Miller, (49) breaks through a line of Ram defenders in the fourth quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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49ers' Michael Crabtree, (15) on a 60 yard reception and run in the third quarter, being chased by Trumaine Johnson, (22)as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013. less

49ers' Michael Crabtree, (15) on a 60 yard reception and run in the third quarter, being chased by Trumaine Johnson, (22)as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13 at Candlestick Park ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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49ers' Patrick Willis, (52) sacks the Rams quarterback Kellen Clemens, (10) in the fourth quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013. less

49ers' Patrick Willis, (52) sacks the Rams quarterback Kellen Clemens, (10) in the fourth quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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49ers' Frank Gore, (21) on a third quarter run inside the 5 yard line, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

49ers' Frank Gore, (21) on a third quarter run inside the 5 yard line, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

Photo: The Chronicle

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49ers' Michael Crabtree, (15) celebrates his 60 yard reception in the third quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013. less

49ers' Michael Crabtree, (15) celebrates his 60 yard reception in the third quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the St. Louis Rams 23-13 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

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49ers' Vernon Davis , (81) hurdles defender Rodney McCleod, (23) in the first quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

49ers' Vernon Davis , (81) hurdles defender Rodney McCleod, (23) in the first quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers' (91) Ray McDonald, (91) and Justin Smith, (94) take down Rams quarterbackback Kellen Clemens, (10) in the second quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013. less

49ers' (91) Ray McDonald, (91) and Justin Smith, (94) take down Rams quarterbackback Kellen Clemens, (10) in the second quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers' quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) calls the play at the line in the first quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

49ers' quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) calls the play at the line in the first quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers' Michael Crabtree, (15) with his first reception after coming back from an injury, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

49ers' Michael Crabtree, (15) with his first reception after coming back from an injury, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers' Anquan Boldin, (81) picks up a first down in the second quarter, Rams' DArian Stewart in on the coverage, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013. less

49ers' Anquan Boldin, (81) picks up a first down in the second quarter, Rams' DArian Stewart in on the coverage, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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Rams quarterback Kellen Clemens (10) had to avoid a sack in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park Sunday December 1, 2013.

Rams quarterback Kellen Clemens (10) had to avoid a sack in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park Sunday December 1, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin, right, yells as he is grabbed by St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins during the first quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013. Jenkins was penalized on the play. less

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin, right, yells as he is grabbed by St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins during the first quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 1, ... more

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

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A San Francisco 49ers cheerleader performs during the first half of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013.

A San Francisco 49ers cheerleader performs during the first half of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013.

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

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49ers' Michael Crabtree, (15) during warm ups before the start of the game as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

49ers' Michael Crabtree, (15) during warm ups before the start of the game as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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Former 49er great Jerry Rice (left) stopped and said hello to Frank Gore during pregame workouts. The San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park Sunday December 1, 2013.

Former 49er great Jerry Rice (left) stopped and said hello to Frank Gore during pregame workouts. The San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park Sunday December 1, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh keeps a watch on his team before the start of the game as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013. less

49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh keeps a watch on his team before the start of the game as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers' Colt McCoy, (2) warm ups before the start of the game as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

49ers' Colt McCoy, (2) warm ups before the start of the game as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh pitches the ball to the running backs before the start of the game as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013. less

49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh pitches the ball to the running backs before the start of the game as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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A San Francisco 49ers fan holds up a sign for Candlestick Park before an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the St. Louis Rams in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013.

A San Francisco 49ers fan holds up a sign for Candlestick Park before an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the St. Louis Rams in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013.

Photo: Tony Avelar / Associated Press

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49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) stretching before the start of the game as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) stretching before the start of the game as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49er practice squad player Chuck Jacobs warming up before the start of the game as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013. less

49er practice squad player Chuck Jacobs warming up before the start of the game as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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During pregame warmups, Vernon Davis was greeted by a teammate. The San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park Sunday December 1, 2013.

During pregame warmups, Vernon Davis was greeted by a teammate. The San Francisco 49ers vs the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park Sunday December 1, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) warming up before the start of the game as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) warming up before the start of the game as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) warming up before the start of the game as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) warming up before the start of the game as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the St. Louis Rams at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Ca., on Sunday Dec. 1, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers fans Marcus Sperry and Paul Maldonado pose for photographs while tailgating in the Candlestick Park parking lot before an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the St. Louis Rams in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013. less

San Francisco 49ers fans Marcus Sperry and Paul Maldonado pose for photographs while tailgating in the Candlestick Park parking lot before an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the St. Louis ... more

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

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Notes: LT Staley has sprained MCL; Rams' trickery turned away

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Four minutes into the first quarter, the 49ers were down to zero Pro Bowl offensive linemen.

Already playing without left guard Mike Iupati, left tackle Joe Staley exited with knee injury early in the first quarter of the 49ers’ 23-13 win over the Rams on Sunday. According to a source close to the situation, Staley sustained a sprained MCL and will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the injury.

Iupati sustained a sprained MCL on Nov. 10 in a loss to the Saints and has missed the past two games.

“I am not going to talk about it,” Staley said. “We will find out.”

With Staley and Iupati out, the 49ers surrendered four sacks, their second-most this season, and managed 83 rushing yards and 2.8 yards a carry.

There were however, a few bright spots. Right guard Alex Boone assumed Staley’s spot at left tackle and didn’t allow a sack to Rams defensive end Robert Quinn, who entered with a NFC-leading 13 sacks. Boone played tackle at Ohio State and early in his NFL career.

“Like riding a bike,” Boone said.

Joe Looney, a 2012 fourth-round pick, took Boone’s spot at right guard and played the first meaningful offensive snaps of his career. Looney made his debut in a 27-6 win at Washington on Nov. 25 and played three snaps, all game-ending kneel-downs by Colin Kaepernick.

“When he first came out there (Sunday) we said ‘Hey, it’s time to be a big boy,’” Boone said.

After he was called for a holding penalty, Looney was replaced by Daniel Kilgore for the final play of the second quarter. However, he returned to starting lineup for the start of the second half.

“A hell of a performance,” Boone said. “Coming off the bench and just kicking some ass. Can’t be more proud of a guy. I know he’s going to be ready for this week.”

*********************************************************************

In a 24-24 tie at Candlestick Park in 2012, the Rams had two successful fake punts.

On Sunday, they again went into their bag of tricks, but the move backfired.

With the 49ers leading 16-6 early in the fourth quarter, the Rams fired a direct snap to Matt Giordano, who was stuffed for a five-yard loss by Anthony Dixon, whose penetration prevented a lateral. On the next play, Kaepernick threw a 17-yard touchdown to Vernon Davis to give the 49ers a 23-6 lead.

Special teams coach Brad Seely had his unit practice against a similar fake punt last week, according to Jim Harbaugh.

“Just needed possession and wanted a big play,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. “That is how we are. That is sometimes how we move. We take chances and sometime it doesn’t work.”

*********************************************************************

Rookie tight end Vance McDonald missed much of the first half with an ankle injury, but returned in the second half. The 49ers were already playing without No. 3 tight end Garrett Celek, who missed his third straight game with a hamstring injury.